Fact or Fiction: Cold Sores

Cold sores -- or fever blisters -- are an embarrassing part of life for many of us. Misconceptions abound about them, though. Can you get a cold sore from stress? Sexual contact? The sun? And is it true that most people have herpes -- and you can never get rid of it?

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Question 1 of 10

Most cold sores clear up in about two days.

fact

fiction

almost fact: The range is several days to two weeks.

If you have a cold sore, it'll probably heal itself within two weeks.

Question 2 of 10

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes cold sores.

fact

Cold sores come from the herpes simplex virus, which usually enters the body through a break in the skin around or inside the mouth.